engineering

American  

[en-juh-neer-ing] / ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the art or science of making practical application of the knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants.

2. the action, work, or profession of an engineer.

3. Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems.

   computer engineering;

   software engineering.

4. skillful or artful contrivance; maneuvering.

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engineering British  

/ ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc ( mechanical engineering ), buildings, bridges, roads, etc ( civil engineering ), electrical machines and communication systems ( electrical engineering ), chemical plant and machinery ( chemical engineering ), or aircraft ( aeronautical engineering ) See also military engineering

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engineering Scientific  

/ ĕn′jə-nîr′ĭng /

1. The application of science to practical uses such as the design of structures, machines, and systems. Engineering has many specialities such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

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Other Word Forms

• nonengineering noun
• preengineering adjective

Etymology

Origin of engineering

First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"The Apollo giants were just very good technical engineering experts," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Connecting Tehran to the city of Karaj, the $400-million bridge was Iran’s largest, and was often regarded as one of the most prominent, expensive and complex engineering endeavors in the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

A small team in the U.S. military’s research and engineering office put together plans to build an attack drone based on deconstructing a Shahed the military had recovered from Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The research brought together experts in engineering, physics, microscopy and cell biology.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

They were lectured in military engineering and taught to read maps.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning